THE GOLD AND DIAMOND NÉCESSAIRE DU SOIR, CARTIER, PARIS, 1947

The cylindrical case, of reeded design, applied with butterfly and flower head motifs the outlines collet-set with single-cut diamonds, the interior inscribed and dated: Wallis from Edward 1947, the single-cut diamond set thumb piece, opening to reveal a mirrored interior with a lidded powder compartment containing a feather powder puff and another compartment, measurements approximately: length 150mm, width 55mm, depth 45mm, signed Cartier, FRANCE, French assay and maker's marks.

Cf: Sotheby's, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, Geneva, Thursday 2nd April 1987, Lot 82.

Cf: Sotheby's, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, The Private Collections, New York, Wednesday 17th September 1997, Lot 2403, for the Givenchy gown sold in Session thirteen, The Duchess of Windsor's Wardrobe and Linen.  The sale ran for nine consecutive days from Thursday 11th September until Friday 19th September 1997.

 

Stamped 18KTS and with French assay marks for 18 carat gold, French assay marks for platinum. Cartier maker's marks. 613 single-cut diamonds in total weighing approximately 12.50 - 13.00 carats, very bright and lively, each stone collet-set in platinum. Thumb piece well sprung. Secure closure. Weighing approximately 431.9 grams. Scratches consistent with age and wear. Accompanied by fitted case made by Cartier after 1987 sale at Sotheby's. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This evening case may have been a 10th wedding anniversary gift from the Duke of Windsor to his Duchess given the dated inscription. 

The couple made a trip to the United States in the Spring of 1970.  There are photographs of the Duchess holding this evening bag at a reception she and the Duke attended on the invitation of President Richard and Mrs Nixon.  The event took place at The White House, Washington DC on 4th April 1970.  President Nixon held the dinner in honour of The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.  The Nixons had previously dined with the Windsors in Paris in 1963.  The White House dinner was a semi-private occasion with dancing afterwards, the emphasis being on youth, the President keen to make the party fun.  Amongst the guests were Mamie Eisenhower, Vice President and Mrs Spiro T. Agnew, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Governor and Mrs Ronald Reagan, Fred Astaire, Frank Borman (the astronaut), Mr and Mrs Kirk Douglas and Congressman and Mrs George Bush.  Bobby Short and the Young Saints entertained the guests after dinner. 

This was a rare formal invitation for the Windsors in the United States, and an indication of the courtesy extended them in official circles in their later years.

The Duchess wore a cream silk crêpe evening gown by Givenchy which had a very elegant high waistline with a striking pink belt applied with a fringe of pink, blue, gold and silver beads, this was from Givenchy's Spring/Summer collection 1970. This was sold in The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, The Private Collections, on Wednesday 17th September 1997 at Sotheby's New York, as Lot 2403